Tuesday, January 26, 2016

As a Pluralist (i.e., respecting the otherness of others) my ears are trained to be sensitive. In one of hte discussion we had going, a Professor wrote, “Thousands of them (Hindus) are "roaming" along the banks of the Ganges in Kashi/Gaya (India) shouting "Hare-Ram! Hare Ram!"

Genuine Interfaith Dialogue | FoundationforPluralism.blogspot.com

In a Genuine interfaith dialogue, we respect the otherness of others and never claim our faith to be superior to the other as it amounts to arrogance. Religion is about humility that builds bridges between peoples and the communities, and not about arrogance which kills relationships and breeds conflicts.

One of the key things about genuine interfaith dialogue is to develop the ability to see the beauty in other faiths, without having the anxiety to flaunt yours as the best. If we were selling religion like used cars, we have to put others down to make ours look better.

But religion is not a business, it is a system to help an individual achieve his or her own peace within, and peace with what surrounds; life and matter.

When my daughter was going to the Baptist Church, I mentioned to her that if the Pastor decides to denigrate other faiths in his sermons, don't be gullible to buy it. She came back with a powerful response, "Dad, if the Pastor tells all religions are equal or beautiful, why would people go to his congregation?" He has to tell the people that others are not worthy.

Is religion a business? Is one's income tied to the number of congregants? Ultimately what difference does it make if you believe in God the Christian way, Muslim, Hindu or any other way? God loves his creation, all of his creation, and if he does not, then why do we need a God like that?

Over the years, I have heard different versions of the following sentences uttered by Imams, Rabbis, Pastors, Pundits and clergy from other faiths. "No other faith offers this connection with God" - "Only _______ offers salvation" - "Our faith is based on science", " _____ is a very logical faith", "No other faith gives a purpose in life like our _______ faith, " Every time I hear that, I cringe. Why are they duping their congregants? I make quick notes and invariably ask the clergy, if they were aware that other faiths also offer the same ideals, here they are.... they walk away, or double down on it. A few have said to me, look, if people want to believe in my claims, let them. I reminded them that it borders on dishonesty, as a religious person, doesn't he owe the truth to his congregants?

I hope a day will come when more of us can speak about other religions honestly and sincerely. That is, for a Jew to speak about Christianity as a Christian would speak and vice-versa, a Hindu to speak about Islam as a Muslim would speak and vice versa, and for a Sunni Muslim to speak about Shia, as a Shia would speak about his tradition. We should have the integrity to articulate other people’s faith honestly, or have the common sense to believe that others faiths must be equally good for them to follow. You are who you are, and I am who I am.

I can never be like you, nor can you ever be like me,

Your faith is as dear to you, as my faith is dear to me.I like my faith as you like yours, but...

I will never claim my faith is superior, as it generates conflict, and religion is not about conflict, it is about removal of apprehension and bringing peace.As I study the beauty of all faiths, I pick things here and there to share. Here is a chapter from Quran, called Kafirun, which has the similar language as the above four lines, and I am hoping to hear from my fellow religionists to share something like this from their tradition. No religion is superior to the other, period! Here it is - http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2008/07/sura-kafirun-un-believers.html

You will find a handful of religious people, who are honest enough to acknowledge the beauty of other faiths, without worrying that their faiths will become less valuable, or others may criticize you.Again, I am blessed to have written up about every faith tradition; you can Google search the following:

Atheist Mike Ghouse

Bahai Mike Ghouse

Buddhist Mike Ghouse

Christian Mike Ghouse

Hindu Mike Ghouse

Jain Mike Ghouse

Jewish Mike Ghouse

Native American Mike Ghouse

Pagan Mike Ghouse

Sikh Mike Ghouse

Wicca Mike Ghouse

Zoroastrian Mike Ghouse

You can also Google Search

Name of (most major) a Festival Mike Ghouse

God has blessed me with the ability to stand up for every one, and I have to complete compiling the list, meanwhile, you can check these out.